Conor plays key role in special night for Northern Ireland

Conor McLaughlin played the full 90 minutes for Northern Ireland in their memorable 2-1 win against Hungary.

The Irish came from a goal behind to secure all three points in their opening game in UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifying Group F. The win also confirmed their first ever victory over the Hungarians.

In a tightly fought contest in Budapest, the game was decided in the final 15 minutes. The hosts thought they were on course for a win when former Preston North End and Watford striker Tamas Priskin headed home from a corner kick.

However, the Irish didn’t let their heads drop and minutes later got back on level terms, Niall McGinn rounding off a superb team move.

And in the 89th minute, McLaughlin and his team mates shocked the home crowd with a late winner as frontman Kyle Lafferty, a threat all night, showed a deadly finish to send the 1,000 travelling Irish support delirious.

McLaughlin, who was handed the number two jersey by manager Michael O’Neill, won his fourth cap on a memorable evening in Eastern Europe.

Conor will now return to Fleetwood Town and prepare for next weekend’s League One encounter against Crawley Town.